ASTRAL REFLECTIONS BY TIM STEPHENS FEBRUARY 3 - 9, 2008 All times/dates are PST. I think Americans are attracted to Barrack Obama, because he bears a resemblance to Abe Lincoln - a beardless, humorous Abe. Barrack will suffer some bad karma in 08/09. This might prevent winning the presidency, but that's not certain - just that he will suffer temptations, and some downturn in his image. More on this later. I'd be ready to dip into the stock markets by late February, March. (Not before, only because the Mercury retrograde would make you forever question whether you should or shouldn't have.) As I wrote in the "Year Ahead" forecast, 2008 offers good companies for sale, cheap. However, I don't think it's a speculator's market. The lunar south node in Leo now to August 2009 indicates that gambling and speculation will be tempting traps for the unwary (or immoral, greedy). Saturn in Virgo during this time says that capital gains will be slim if anything, and that we should look to practical, pragmatic sources - e.g., making money from hard work, service trades, cash cows, etc. The lunar north node in Aquarius hints that high tech might be a safe haven for investors into 2009. Despite the huge drops and volatility in markets November 07 to February 08 (the period during which I warned you to not start major financial or practical projects) the rest of 2008 looks very productive for business and economies. But Pluto entering Capricorn this year points to a huge two-decade change in store for business/economies - and governments - which will probably change the "leadership" in stock markets (from one type of stock to another) and will add a "strict" element ("no mistakes allowed"). We've already seen one manifestation of the "no mistakes allowed" element: the credit crunch, which came a little early, but was still a Pluto/Capricorn phenomenon. Several years ago I wrote here that 2009 might bring a failure trend for the markets and economy. On closer examination, 09 looks inflationary, especially for high tech, electricity, and politics. (Politicians will have big dreams and make big generous gestures, which will, of course, cost money.) 09 might spell the end of the fall in interest rates I predicted to start last June (07). February/March 2009 might spark a war based on zealotry and new politics. If so, it won't be a major one. The 250 years that ended in1983 was the era of wars; the era that started in 1984, and lasts to the early 23rd century, is an era of peace and "police action" - e.g., Serbia/Bosnia, Iraq, Afghanistan, Palestine. Our present era, essentially one of repression and control, might burst into a cataclysm at some point, as any repressive situation might - but to even suggest when would require more study. Start Nothing: Before 1:52 a.m. Sun., 10:20 a.m. Mon. to 11:10 a.m. Tues., 7:50 a.m. to 5:46 p.m. Thurs. and 1:05 p.m. to 10:17 p.m. Sat. Aries March 21-April 19 Indecision ends about short-term goals - you know where you have to go, who see, what say. You're like a racecar, charging through these! But in social zones, and where your long-term future is concerned, you're more undecided than usual. Patience is your ally - the two weeks ahead bring more facts, some eye-openers. You'll be glad you kept your options open. An Aquarian might be involved. Overall, this week brings social delights, popularity, optimism and flirtations, especially Tuesday to Thursday! Chase career Sunday/Monday. Retreat, study and contemplate Friday/Saturday. Taurus April 20-May 20 Your money flow, which seemed uncertain recently, resumes at full strength. Vow to spend less, save more. VIPs, bosses and parents want to see you perform. You could be tested. Rise to the occasion, especially mid-week. You'll do better than you think! Generally, your career is blessed and protected for 19 months. Don't withdraw from it, nor force domestic, property issues. (Overall, don't start new projects before February 18, unless you're forced to.) Legal, educational, media and travel arenas are filled with luck and affection. Love, Sunday/Monday! Friendship, Friday/Saturday. Gemini May 21-June 20 A sweet, mellow mood has come over you. You've stopped "hiding in the bushes" as far as your social life and what YOU want from life, want to do, plan and hope for, are concerned. You can meet some very compatible "fellow minds" now, at school, while traveling, in legal, media or publishing situations. (A former teacher, associate, or love might reappear. However, DO NOT recommence a half-finished intellectual work now - nor start a new, important one.) Carry a good book under your arm! Sexual/financial luck comes Sunday/Monday. Cancer June 21-July 22 Relationships bring major luck this year, so don't turn away from them. But keep them open and sincere - you might be tempted to work a bit of a secret angle this month, which would narrow your luck. (And, perhaps worse, would start you turning in circles of indecision, perhaps for months!) Others treat you affectionately now - approach someone; you'll get a nice response. Don't begin ANY sexual, financial, investment or lifestyle project before February 18. Research rewards. An overdue obligation (taxes? career? charity? government paperwork?) lifts - or comes due. Leo July 23-Aug. 22 Expect opportunities and opposition, exciting meetings and fresh horizons, especially mid-week! (Although those fresh horizons are, probably, old ones recycled. But if they were good then, they're likely good now!) Be diplomatic and eager to fulfill other's desires, to compromise, as they temporarily hold the aces. You might be dealing with an ex-spouse or former associate - there's goodness in this, so don't dismiss people summarily. Don't start new projects or brand new, important relationships before February 18. Your work expands, but brings affection and luck. Mysteries Friday/Saturday - don't invest. Virgo Aug. 23-Sept. 22 Go over half-finished tasks, especially Tuesday to Thursday: complete, re-check, make sure supplies are sufficient, etc. Don't start any new work programs or projects, nor buy machinery, nor hire any service people, before February 18. VIPs, bosses and parents continue to be impatient and temperamental, but they're also quick to forgive - and willing to give you a piece of the action! Your romantic world is a beautiful one this year, and you'll get just a taste of this Sunday/Monday (and the two weeks ahead). Be careful with relationships Friday/Saturday. Libra Sept. 23-Oct. 22 Romance, beauty, pleasure, creative and speculative urges fill February, especially this Tuesday to Thursday! An old flame might grow to fill your thoughts. Your home, family and neighbors are sweet this week and next (you'll feel this during a benevolent, restful Sunday/Monday). But don't yield to the temptation to start a big decoration project before February 18. That interval also cautions against starting any brand new relationships or creative or child-oriented projects. Tackle work Thursday night to Saturday, but follow all safety rules Saturday. Partnership indecision ends: be wise. Scorpio Oct. 23-Nov. 21 Be home, get your rest, hibernate, indulge family members, work in the garden, do repairs and walk in nature. Contemplate where you've been, how you got here, and where you're going. Indecision has ended in investment, debt, lifestyle choices, and in work, sexual and health zones. But stop short of making firm plans until late February. You're going to be a lot more active in years ahead than now seems possible! Sunday/Monday are lucky for travel, errands and communications. Romance or a gamble lures Friday/Saturday - too early! Be cautious! Sagittarius Nov. 22-Dec. 21 Mail, messages, appointments and schedules are delayed. Be patient. Don't start new travel, mail, telephony, computer or similar projects before February 18. You might run into an old friend, stumble on an old neighborhood, especially mid-week. This retro period usually does not favor new relationships, but you could have such a good time with someone, new or former (especially midweek) that I hate to advise against it. This or another relationship goes forward - to intensity, good or bad! Your money and sensual luck remains nicely buoyant this week and next. Capricorn Dec. 22-Jan. 19 You radiate a subtle, sensual allure this week and next (especially Sunday/Monday). A former money matter comes up for review or payment, perhaps mid-week - be patient, work it through. There is hidden "emotional gold" for you in this situation. Don't start any money projects, nor make any significant purchases, before February 18. Work that was held up chugs along now - perhaps too fast. Gear it down just enough to avoid mistakes; make sure you're not headed in the wrong direction, or will run out of supplies along the way. Aquarius Jan. 20-Feb. 18 Your energy, charisma, luck and pizzazz remain high! But most forward initiatives will tend to go in circles before February 18. So apply your skills and energy to things from the past that demand attention. Solving these will leave you free to shoot forward late February onward. An old flame might occupy your thoughts now - or actually show up. If he/she does, you won't be shy about pressing your romantic advantage. Rest and contemplate Sunday/Monday. You attract everyone Tuesday to Thursday! Take care with money Thursday night to Saturday. Pisces Feb. 19-March 20 It's hard to make forward progress in relationships, domestic matters, real estate, or in dealings with "head office" before February 18. But you can make some effective "back progress" midweek, by tackling an old issue in these areas. And despite the inability to go forward in those domestic and property zones, you at least know now what you want to do, and you'll likely charge out of the gate later this month (after the 17th if you want to succeed!). Sunday/Monday give you a little reassurance of your charms! www.astralreflections.com. Email: timstephens@shaw.ca. For a reading: 604-261-1337. /30/